Malachi 3:2-3 (ESV)
2But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.
I've heard about "refiner's fire"; actually, there is a Wilds song about it. But I was reading this tonight and thinking about it.
We are the Levites. A holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). And His refining is our sanctification. So...is the "offerings in righteousness to the LORD" our "bodies a living and holy sacrifice" (Romans 12:1)?
I'm always concerned about context and pretext and no text. Is this reasonable application? I guess I need to do further study.
James 1:2-5 (ESV)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
v. 2 Count it all joy This isn't a one time thing. It is a consistent joy, a joy that is a once-and-for-all attitude. Joy that God gives that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
v. 4 let steadfastness (Or, endurance NASB) have its full effect This is a cause and effect relationship.
cause: steadfastness
effect: perfect and complete
v. 5 In the context of this verse, one who lacks wisdom asks God for wisdom facing trials. It is important to remember that. Even though, I am sure there is an application outside that. But it is interesting to note how often it is taken from the context so readily.
To ask for wisdom we have to realize that we are lacking (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). And the first step is clear Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.